Polyfunctionality as a Condition for Urban Development: A Case Study of Small Towns in the Western Region of Ukraine

The article examines the role of administrative centers in small towns of Ukraine as strategic elements of the urban planning structure, shaping the development of local infrastructure and preserving cultural identity. Particular attention is given to their socio-cultural function, including memorial preservation and the formation of collective memory. The study analyzes the challenges and positive aspects of the transformation of administrative centers in the context of decentralization and changes in governance structures. Amid social and political transformations, particularly during wartime, administrative centers serve not only as governance hubs but also as symbolic focal points that foster community cohesion. Thus, they acquire significance as strategic components of the urban fabric, determining the trajectory of local infrastructure development and creating an environment that both meets residents' needs and maintains a connection with historical contexts. This expanded role of administrative centers highlights their function as multifunctional spaces that serve not only as governance units but also as cultural, social, and economic hubs for the community. Such a transformation enables them to respond to contemporary challenges in the era of globalization and decentralization, ensuring a balance between traditions, emerging urban development requirements, and the needs of local communities.